Risky South Aussie drivers will be fined for being on their phones behind the wheel after the new Mobile Phone Detection Cameras no-fine grace period comes to an end. Drivers are currently in a phase where they are receiving warnings rather than penalties, this will change on Thursday (19 September 2024).
From this week, motorists will face a $556 fine, an additional $102 adult Victims of Crime levy, and three demerit points if they are caught on their phones by the detection cameras. Nearly 31,000 drivers have been caught on their phones since the camera’s were set up in April.
Superintendent Darren Fielke from the Traffic Services Branch previously expressed his concern over the high rate of mobile phone use among drivers.
“The rate at which these cameras are catching distracted drivers is frankly alarming. The cameras are showing us a distracted driver every two minutes, which indicates a grave issue on our roads,” he stated.
Fielke further highlighted the hazardous implications this behaviour could have outside of the grace period, noting the potential for drivers to lose their licences under regular enforcement conditions.
He urges drivers to adjust their habits before Thursday.
“It’s crucial for drivers to realise the seriousness of their actions. The use of a mobile phone while driving can lead to devastating consequences. They must change their driving behaviour promptly,” he added.
The cameras have been strategically placed in five locations identified as high-risk including South Road in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross, Southern Expressway in Darlington, and Port Road in Hindmarsh.
SA Police discovered that since the camera’s were put up three drivers had received repeated warning a total of 19 times.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said “that is just disgraceful behaviour.”
Usage statistics show varied detection rates, with the lanes on North-South Motorway at Regency Park registering the highest number of offences, where almost 10,000 drivers were issued warning letters since April. Additionally, South Road in Torrensville reported the highest volume of potential offences relative to vehicle volume, with 0.84 per cent of passing motorists receiving letters.
The establishment of this system highlights the ongoing struggle to curb mobile phone usage among drivers, a habit that poses a significant risk to all road users.
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